The NBA has postponed Saturday night’s game between the Golden State Warriors and the Minnesota Timberwolves following the fatal shooting of Alex Pretti, a 37-year-old ICU nurse and legal observer from south Minneapolis, by federal agents. The decision comes amid heightened tensions in the city after multiple videos surfaced showing the incident, which has drawn widespread attention and concern.
According to reports, Pretti was tackled by agents, restrained, and then fatally shot while appearing to be subdued. The footage has sparked comparisons to a separate fatal incident just over two weeks ago involving another legal observer, Renee Good, who was also killed by federal agents in Minnesota. Both events have intensified scrutiny around the actions of federal law enforcement in the region.
In a statement released shortly after the news broke, the NBA said the decision to postpone the game was made “to prioritize the safety and security of the Minneapolis community.” The league did not reference the shooting directly or name any federal agency involved.
What’s still unclear is whether the decision came as a result of direct pressure from players or if the league office acted independently. The statement was brief and didn’t offer much in the way of context or commentary, which has left some wondering whether this was more of a precautionary move than a statement of solidarity.
The game has been rescheduled for Sunday at 5:30 p.m. Eastern, but that doesn’t necessarily mean it’ll go forward without resistance.
There’s precedent here. Back in 2020, NBA players refused to take the court after the police shooting of Jacob Blake in Wisconsin, a move that temporarily shut down playoff games and reignited conversations around athlete activism and social justice.
That moment in 2020 marked a turning point, with players using their platforms to call for change in a powerful and unified way. But since then, the league and its players have largely shifted their focus back to basketball, and we haven’t seen the same level of coordinated activism. Whether this latest incident becomes another flashpoint remains to be seen.
What we do know is that emotions are running high in Minneapolis, and the NBA’s decision to postpone the game reflects the gravity of the situation. As more details emerge and players weigh their options, the league could once again find itself at the intersection of sports and social justice - a space it’s occupied before, and one that demands thoughtful, courageous leadership.